New England Patriots quarterback Tim Tebow (5) on the sidelines in the second quarter of a preseason game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. / Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports

by USA TODAY

by USA TODAY

The Patriots must make two more moves before Tuesday's league deadline to get to 75. The final roster cut comes after the fourth exhibition game later this week.

Nine-year NFL linebacker Niko Koutovides was among those released.

Koutovides, who played the last two years in New England, saw action in the final 14 regular-season and both postseason games last year. He made eight special teams tackles and one on defense in the regular season, then made one stop in the playoffs.